Ontario school year 2026-27 starts September 8 with PA days September 2-3 before Labour Day
Ontario public schools begin the 2026-27 academic year on Tuesday, September 8, with two Professional Activity (PA) days on September 2-3 preceding Labour Day weekend. The school year consists of 194 days with 187 instructional days and seven PA days spread across the year.
School Calendar at a Glance
The first day of school for elementary and secondary students is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The last day of school for secondary students is Monday, June 28, 2027. The last day of school for elementary students is Tuesday, June 29, 2027. That the 2026-2027 school year for all elementary and secondary schools consist of 194 days and include the designation of 187 Instructional Days and seven Professional Activity Days.
PA Days and School Breaks
For the Toronto DSB, PA Days in September 2026 fall on September 2 and 3. The first PA Days of 2026-27 are typically September 2 and 3 for boards starting September 8. On those days, teachers complete professional development, set up classrooms, and complete administrative preparation. Students do not attend. Beyond September, PA DAYS include October 26, 2026, January 15, 2027, April 16, 2027, June 4, 2027 and June 30, 2027.
Planning Ahead for Newcomer Families
If your children are starting public school in Ontario in 2026-27, mark your calendar: school begins September 8, and you'll need childcare arranged for the two PA days immediately before (September 2-3). Ontario has a consistent 194-day school year, making it easier to plan work schedules and coordinate with the $10-a-day childcare program availability. Contact your local school board directly to confirm specific PA days, holidays and early-release days, as some boards may schedule additional closures. French immersion, ESL and newcomer language programs (LINC) are widely available through Ontario schools.
Sources
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